Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

State Saloon

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

1. State Saloon Marker

Inscription. This building was constructed for Thomas Milarkey, early Pendleton entrepreneur. Milarkey was one of the first Catholics to settle in Pendleton. Mass was often held in his home by visiting priests. He was instrumental in helping establish a Catholic Church in Pendleton by 1884. This is reportedly the first brick building constructed in downtown Pendleton. It has strong Italianate Commercial features on the second floor façade. This 25' by 100' building under went major restoration in 2006 to bring it back to the original façade from the 1880's when it was known as the State Saloon. Notice the transom windows on the 1st floor behind the awning reconstructed to match the original. Many layers of paint were carefully removed to expose the original brick. The State Saloon was a popular "watering hole" for many a cowboy and ranch-hand over the years. Later, it became the "Rainbow Café." The original neon sign of the Rainbow was restored. The second floor once held a gambling hall and was a winter residence for early miners and sheepherders.

Erected by City of Pendleton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in

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these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings.

Location. 45° 40.348′ N, 118° 47.25′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Oregon, in Umatilla County. It is on South Main Street near Southeast Court Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 South Main Street, Pendleton OR 97801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Oregon.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Milarkey Building (a few steps from this marker); The Peoples Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); Kathleen McClintock 1907-1998 (within shouting distance of this marker); Judd Block (within shouting distance of this marker); George Fletcher (within shouting distance of this marker); DeSpain Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Milarkey-Murphy Bldg

State Saloon and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

2. State Saloon and Marker

The marker is at the right corner.

(within shouting distance of this marker); R.F. Renn Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.

State Saloon (Rainbow Cafe) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

3. State Saloon (Rainbow Cafe)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.